If you're planning on visiting Hot Springs for the first time - you are in for a real treat! As I continued my quest to visit all of America's National Parks, Hot Springs was the last centrally located park missing from my list. With some help from Arkansas State Tourism, not only did I make Hot Springs my 30th National Park - but I was also able to explore the entire area and discover there's so much for visitors to see and experience - even beyond the National Park!
I'll share some of the interesting things I learned and some helpful tips to make your first time visiting Hot Springs a great memory!
1. Start at the National Park Visitors Center!
Hot Springs is an actual town in Arkansas that just happens to have a National Park in it. About four decades before Yellowstone National Park was declared the first "National Park" - Hot Springs had already earned a designation as protected public land.
It's most notable for its natural spring water that's been used as a means of healing therapy for generations In fact, the earliest visitors to Hot Springs for healing baths date back to the 1500s! However, it was around 1830 when settlers began building a town and capitalizing on the water and its perceived healing power.
The visitors center is a great place to start your journey if you're visiting Hot Springs for the first time. A friendly park ranger will give you a quick overview of the area's history and a map for hiking trails and scenic views. They'll also explain the history of "bathhouse row" and you'll be able to tour the historic building as it appeared in the early 1900s.
Be sure to grab a cup so you can sample some of the natural spring water - some of the cleanest water anywhere in America!
2. Take A Walk Down Bathhouse Row
"Bathhouse Row" is a section of historic buildings that are easy to see on a quick walk in downtown Hot Springs. You'll see eight of these bathhouses that were built between 1892 and 1923. All but two of them have been repurposed or sit vacant. One is the National Park Visitors Center which is very much intact and super interesting to walk through.
The smallest bathhouse building is now a popular local brewery in Hot Springs called Superior Bathhouse Brewery. A unique feature of the brewery is its ability to use the hot spring water in the brewing process.
The bathhouse buildings are where visitors would typically soak in bathtubs or spas filled with hot natural spring water that runs right through town.
3. Visit The Hot Springs Mountain Tower
The Mountain Tower in Hot Springs National Park is a 216 feet tall observatory with panoramic views of the region. On a clear day, visitors at the Mountain Tower can see more than 100 miles in any direction. There's an elevator that takes you to the top! If you're visiting Hot Springs for the first time - this is a great spot to get an overview of the region.
You'll find multiple hiking trails near the tower if you're looking to get lost in nature!
4. Fill Up Your Water Bottles!
One of the most interesting things you'll notice while exploring Hot Springs is that there are public fountains throughout downtown where people fill up jugs - for free! At any given time - even at night - you'll likely spot people standing around, filling up water bottles and large jugs with natural spring water.
You'll also see multiple fountains around downtown that show the hot spring water bubbling up. On chilly days, you'll notice the steam coming out of the ground.
5. Baseball's Spring Training Was Once Held Here
Did you know that "Spring Training" was held in Hot Springs for the first time? Before Florida and Arizona became known for spring training destinations - Hot Springs, Arkansas was where some of baseballs original superstars initially came to train. Teams would play games and then hit the bathhouses to relax and rejuvenate.
Hot Springs has a "Spring Training Trail" where you can find historic markers and see where the action took place.
6. There's Presidential History!
Former President Bill Clinton spent some of his formative years in Hot Springs. His early childhood home is in Hope, Arkansas but he lived in Hot Springs around the time he went to High School. The house currently sits empty but you can drive by and take a look.
There are no tours or options for getting inside but maybe they'll turn it into a museum one day?
7. Hot Springs Has Great Food Options!
I ate like a king during my time in Hot Springs and was pleasantly surprised with the amount of great spots for food and drinks. The restaurant at our hotel (The Waters) had an amazing restaurant that to be honest, seemed super underrated. I had meals twice here and both were awesome! It's called The Avenue - and definitely worth a visit.
My favorite meal was at Delucas - a local pizzeria known for big and filling pizza pies. They're also known for portraits of scantily clad women on the walls of the restaurant. The portraits feature "friends of the owner" and even regular customers that want to be on display for patrons. The pizza was great!
There are local favorites like The Pancake Shop and the aforementioned Superior Bathhouse Brewery. The best part is most of the restaurants or coffee shops are within walking distance if you're staying downtown.
8. Head To The Race Track - At Oaklawn!
I admit - I'm not much of a gambler but it's hard not to find some excitement in watching the horses race at Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Arkansas. You can actually enjoy a really fun day at the track and place small bets to get in on the action! There are tons of food options as well.
Oaklawn has been around since 1904 and has grown into a major destination for horse racing enthusiasts from around the world. The property includes a hotel, casino, and events space. They even have concerts here! If you're visiting Hot Springs for the first time, don't miss out on this great attraction outside of downtown.
Conclusion
I am so glad that I finally decided to visit Hot Springs for the first time and added another National Park to my list! (It was my 30th!) However, I'm also glad that I had a chance to discover there's more to Hot Springs than just the National Park.
Be sure to do yourself a favor and explore ALL of Hot Springs if you're planning to visit in the near future! We stayed at The Waters Hotel which is right in the middle of the historic downtown across from the bathhouses. However, Hot Springs has lots of great lodging and historic hotels that you can choose from. You can visit the local tourism website to find a spot that's perfect for you!